Nick Vannett

After they didn’t sign a tight end in their 2010 recruiting class, the Ohio State coaching staff is making a strong effort to sign at least one and possibly two in 2011.

They offered a scholarship early to Ben Koyack (Oil City, Pa.), one of the country’s premier tight ends, and are very much in the running with Koyack.

The Bucks are also very much in the running to sign Nick Vannett (Westerville, Ohio/Central). Bucknuts.com broke the news on Saturday that Vannett had visited Ohio State that morning and had received a written scholarship offer from Jim Tressel. He had previously received a verbal offer from the Bucks and there was some confusion as to whether there was pressure for Vannett to commit quickly to Ohio State.

“The reason I went there for the visit was to clear things up,” Vannett said. “I went there with my parents. (The Ohio State coaches) said they didn’t want to pressure me.”

While on the visit, Vannett and his parents not only talked to Tressel and some other OSU coaches, but received a tour too.

“I was very impressed,” Vannett said. “I was also impressed with the coaches and what I heard about the academic support.”

Vannett has scholarship offers from Ohio State, Northwestern, Indiana, Kentucky, Toledo, Bowling Green and Ball State. Michigan State, Wisconsin and Purdue are showing quite a bit of interest.

“I’m nowhere near deciding,” Vannett said. “I’m going to take my time. I’m really considering all seven of my offers. Once I start attending spring practices I’ll get a feel for how coaches interact with the players. I want to make sure I make the right decision.”

Though Vannett is not close to making a commitment, he does have a couple leaders.

“I would say my top two would be Ohio State and Wisconsin, but Wisconsin hasn’t offered yet,” Vannett said. “Bowling Green would be in there too.